The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced last week that Wisconsin will be one of 7 states piloting a new initiative called Get Covered. Get in the Game. The pilot effort will bring together coaches, schools and communities to educate families with children who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP about the immediate availability of children’s health coverage programs. The National Council of Youth Sports estimates 44 million boys and girls participate in organized youth sports. Uninsured kids often miss out because they cannot afford the necessary physical often required to participate in youth sports or because their families are concerned they would be unable to pay for treatment if their kids get hurt.

“Healthy kids do better in school and in life because they are able to participate fully in activities that develop their bodies and their minds,” Secretary Sebelius said. “Kids should not have to miss out on their favorite sports and other activities that get them moving because they lack health insurance coverage. With Medicaid and CHIP, eligible children can be covered both on and off the field.”

CMS will support events launching this initiative, outreach to news outlets across the pilot states, coaches’ trainings, and the placement of promotional materials at select youth sports events to help direct families to enrollment assistance.

Educational materials for coaches and parents are available on the Insure Kids Now website: http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/ .

Jon Peacock, research director